Whether you are aware of it or not, you are always in the process of both losing and growing hair. Human hair follicles have 2 main stages : anagen (growth phase) and telogen (resting phase).
All hairs begin in the anagen phase; they grow for a period of time and then shift into the telogen phase, which lasts about 100 days. Following this, the hair will fall out.
Typically, 90% of our hair is in the anagen phase, and only 10% is in the telogen phase. This means we are usually losing less hair than we are growing, so it is not noticeable.
Hair Loss After Bariatric Surgery
The most common type of hair loss after bariatric surgery is telogen effluvium. This can have nutritional and non-nutritional causes. Stress on the body can move more hair into the dormant phase which means a greater percentage of hairs falling out. Stress on the body can come in many forms, such as fever, infection, surgery, weight loss, deficiencies and some medications.
For bariatric surgery patients
Bariatric surgery patients experience at least two of these stressors in the form of surgery and rapid weight loss. This is the most likely reason for hair loss within the first 6 months post- surgery. Excess hair loss will generally not continue for more than 6 months if there are no nutritional issues. Hair should re-grow with time, by maintaining proper nutrition after surgery.
If hair loss continues
If hair loss continues for more than 1 year post surgery, then hair loss may be due to nutritional deficiencies. It is essential that you attend for regular blood tests to monitor your nutritional status after bariatric surgery. Hair problems that are caused by nutritional deficiencies can be corrected by a good nutrition and vitamin and mineral supplementation.
Minimising hair loss after bariatric surgery
- Eat a variety of healthy, nutrient rich foods each day
- Take vitamin and mineral supplements as recommended by your Bariatric Surgeon, bariatrician or Bariatric Dietitian
- Ensure your post surgery diet contains adequate protein
- If you have hair losss that continues for more than 12 months post-surgery speak to your Surgeon, bariatrician, or Dietitian about the adequacy of certain nutrients in your diet
Mercy Bariatrics Perth
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